​​​​​​​​Bluetooth speakers have changed the way we listen to music. It has also changed where we listen to music. In 2018, however, there are almost too many options. What speaker is the best? What speaker is best suited for your regular activities? From the varying price ranges to the varying builds, Bluetooth speakers provide us with the ability to take our music anywhere. We recently tried out the Anker Soundcore 2 for review purposes. Here is what we found:

Anker Soundcore 2

During our first encounter with this speaker, we could not believe that a system so small is capable of producing such a well-balanced and fulfilled sound. This speaker is nothing like any Bluetooth speaker we have come across, and it delivers better sound than many of the larger speakers we have reviewed.

The system has a solid construction and a design similar to SoundCore A3102. It is rectangular and rounded at the corners with front-firing speakers. It has five buttons on its top side which are the power button, volume down, play/pause, volume up, and Bluetooth pair which is arranged systemically. Its matte black color is simple, yet appealing. But let's look at this speaker's specifications.

Product Specs

This speaker has upgraded audio system that is engineered to deliver the same clarity and build as the original SoundCore. The drivers are also upgraded to 2x 6W. Thus they are high-performers. The bass response is on another level as its bass technology provides an extended sound range and deep lows. In addition, it has an amazing battery life that offers up to 24-hour playback time. The Li-ion battery is built-in and its high capacity powers the speaker to play up to 500 songs in 24 hours. It is portable thus you can just grab it and use it any time you want. Also, it has an IPX5 certification, thus it is water resistant. Its waterproof and dust-proof rating ensures that you listen to music in any environment effortlessly.

The speaker comes with a micro USB cable for charging, and a user guide to help new users to understand how it works. This speaker has a 6-watt rating and lots of volume for its small size, but when the volume is raised higher than the system can handle, the mids start getting somewhat harsh. In general, this device has an improved bass, long-lasting battery and is water resistant.

The speaker is compatible with most Bluetooth enabled devices and can pair with a device that is about 20 meters or 66 feet away. A gasket made of rubber covers the micro USB charging port as well as an auxiliary input that allows you to connect it to other non-Bluetooth devices. To add to that, the system features a built microphone that allows you to make or receive speakerphone calls. In general, this device has an improved bass, long-lasting battery and is water resistant.

Pricing

This speaker is one of the cheapest in the market, with a price ranging at around $39.99 on Amazon but you can find it on other online markets like eBay as well. This is quite cheap for such an amazing sound system so you should get yours today.

How it Compares

There are similar products in the market that we picked to see how Anker compares to them. They include:

Rating

Ease of Use

Assembly Time

Design Quality

Warranty

Ease of use

Among the most straightforward sound devices, Anker is on top of the list. The primary thing you are supposed to know is how the buttons (volume, power, play/pause, and the Bluetooth pairing button) work, how to charge the device as well as playing media using the Bluetooth feature or other non-Bluetooth devices.

Assembly Time

The system comes with a template that guides new users on how to set it up. This means that the time you will take to completely set the equipment up is very little, given that there is not much to assemble in the first place because the system is intact. The only thing you need to figure out is how to charge and pair it with other Bluetooth. This requires learning how to navigate through the buttons as well. These are things you can even set up without a manual because it only takes roughly 10 minutes.

Design Quality

This sound system is a redesign of the original SoundCore speaker. It offers up to 24 hours of playback time, and since the power is increased, the bass is highly emphasized thus it is loud. The touch-sensitive control panel helps you to switch between tracks, adjust volumes and switch between inputs by simply tapping on the appropriate buttons placed on top of the speaker. The design really gives this equipment a rating of 7/10 stars.

Warranty

It has a worry-free eighteen-month guarantee provided you are the original buyer, and you bought the speaker from an eligible seller. The customer care service is pretty friendly too. You have nothing to worry about.

Pros

It features new and enhanced bass response compared to the original SoundCore. A larger bass radiator has been placed on the front center of this system thus boosting the lows and makes podcasts and music sound amazing.

The system also features new covered ports that provide additional protection and keeps it free from dust, light water droplets and sand.

The mids and highs have a very high clarity just like the original model.

check-circle

The speaker has a speakerphone feature that allows one to make or receive calls but do not get your hopes high because you may not use the speakerphone effectively if the environment is noisy.

check-circle

Anker has a long battery life that gives you an opportunity to listen for about 24 hours nonstop on a single charge. This is what everyone wants, right?

check-circle

This system features the same form factor as the original model but with new and improved rounded corners.

Cons

It is not entirely waterproof. Thus, there's no assurance that it has protection against heavy downpours.

When the volume is increased, the speaker tends to emphasize on the highs and start to sound somewhat tinny or jangling. This makes the speaker sound even worse than the original SoundCore.

OontZ Angle 3

Rating

Ease of Use

Assembly Time

Design Quality

Warranty

Ease of use

This is a wireless stereo, so it is pretty simple to use. The user template provided guides one through, for instance, you will be guided on how to choose EQ mode that, which only needs you to short press the power button and select the mode that you want.

Assembly Time

Omaker M6 is a portable speaker which means it takes the shortest time possible to assemble it. Just like the other portable Bluetooth systems, it is intact. The only thing that a new user needs to learn is how to insert the USB cables for charging and connecting to devices that do not have a wireless feature.

Design Quality

The design of this system features a waterproof capability of IPX6 resistance level. It therefore, floats on water when it is immersed in water. This assures you that it is protected from water in case of an accident. More so, it is portable, precisely giving you what you need for outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, swimming and hiking among others. It is also designed to be lightweight, a characteristic that attracts so many customers. Who would want to go around carrying a heavy load, anyway?

Warranty

Information about guarantee and policies can be found on the website of the manufacturer, or you can contact the seller directly to find out.

Pros

It is lightweight and portable, thus very convenient for activities that involve camping, swimming or fishing among others.

It is IPX6 certified thus it is water resistant which makes it perfect for swimming, kayaking, and other water games.

Long battery life that guarantees up to 24 hours listening time without plugging the charger in.

Cons

The sound cam starts getting coarse or hashes if the volume is raised higher than the speaker can handle.

Rating

Ease of Use

Assembly Time

Design Quality

Warranty

Ease of use

Since the system has a touch control panel, it becomes easy to control the tracks, change volumes and do other activities at the touch of a button. In addition to the template that is provided by the manufacturer illustrating how to use this gadget, learning it is very easy thus the item is rated very well in this area.

Assembly Time

Most portable wireless speakers do not consume much time in their assembly because they are normally small and intact. Things that people need to learn are not much, and there is a high probability that most people are already conversant with the assembly procedure. However, for new users, the important thing you need to know is how to plug in the USB charger, how to connect it to other wireless and wired devices and how to change frequencies. The good thing is that all the setup procedure is illustrated in the user guide.

Design Quality

The long life of the battery ensures long playtime hours. The battery is rechargeable Li-ion model and inbuilt hence guaranteeing approximately 12 hours of playtime. It is exclusively manufactured by DOSS making it so unique. For instance, its Bluetooth wireless 4.0 feature allows the speaker to reconnect automatically to the last music device that was used.

Warranty

Information about assurance of this speaker is readily available on the manufacturer’s website.

Quality

Usability

Support

Rating

Ease of Use

Assembly Time

Design Quality

Warranty

Ease of use

It is quite easy to use this speaker since it is Bluetooth wireless, just like most wireless speakers. Customers, therefore, tend to have an easy time when using it for the first time because of its user-friendly nature.

Assembly Time

If you are familiar with setting up and connecting Bluetooth speakers, this speaker is no different. Considering the time we took to figure out and assemble the SoundCore 2 speaker, I would say it will only take you about 5 minutes to unpackage and set up this speaker. All of the assembly steps are provided in the user guide.

Design quality

This speaker is wireless, and IPX7 waterproof certified, which means that it is completely waterproof. It also has a microphone that is built for receiving and making phone calls. In addition, the system has an integrated 3.5 mm audio cable for the wired devices. This unique design allows for the rating of 8.3/10 thus it is on top of several other similar products.

Warranty

Unless stated otherwise, the warranty of this sound speaker is extended to one year from the date of retail purchase by the original end-user.

Pros

It is readily compatible with most wired and wireless devices.

Its IPX7 waterproof feature is an assurance that you can enjoy outdoor activities in any weather.

It allows one to receive and make calls.

check-circle

Has a feature for connecting with an additional clip 2 speakers for high performance.

Cons

The waterproof feature cannot work when the pots are open thus you cannot use it in water and charge it at the same time.

Final Take

The Anker SoundCore 2 delivers more than average sound compared to its price. It is therefore a nice investment. Although it might not sound as good as some buyers expect, it is quite likable and relatively cheap. More so, it has a long battery life, giving you the best for outdoor activities. I, therefore, encourage any person looking for a similar system to consider the Anker speaker because it is better than most related speakers at the same price range.

Anker SoundCore 2 delivers an incredible sound, build quality and boosted bass at an unreasonable price! It comes with great features like long life battery which offers a 24-hour playtime, as well as a water-resistant and dustproof speaker giving you the best advantage for outdoor activities.